Arms - Gules, a chevron reflexed argent between three eagles
or
Crest - On a mount argent an eagle or
Mantling - Argent and gules
Motto - Ceter et audax (Swift and brave)
That the people of every nation are intensely curious as to the
origin of the human family is evidenced by the many and varied
stories of creation and of the first family to be found in the
literature and traditions of every race. It is as natural for
us to wish to know the origin and history of the several social
families from which we are descended. Such a knowledge should
not foster within us a foolish pride in the records of those gone
before us, but should add to our pleasure and to a better understanding
of ourselves--our limitations and our possibilities.
"The knowledge of our ancestors widens our horizon and gives
a broader view of life and its responsibilities. We remember that
posterity may sit in judgment on us, and our times, and this thought
should be an inspiration and incentive to higher and better things."
Although the writers of these lines had little interest in family
history until decidedly past their majority, they have found the
search for genealogical data an ever increasingly fascinating
game, not the least of their rewards being the pleasure derived
from contact, by letter or by interview, with the many interesting
people consulted. For "the Wentz family are a generous, hospitable,
warm-hearted people."
After many urgent requests that the data be published, this simple
history is presented for your perusal, with no claim to its exhaustiveness.
There may be omissions, there may be imperfections in organization,
but great care has been taken to prevent errors in facts from
slipping in. If such there be, we ask your pardon.
The chief authorities for this brief history are courthouse records;
data found in the libraries of the Historical Societies of Pennsylvania,
Montgomery, and Lancaster; a history of the Wentz cemetery by
Rev. D. D. Brendle, pastor of the Wentz Reformed Church of Worcester,
Pa.; records of the same church; data gained during personal visits
to this church and the homes of several of the ancestors in Pennsylvania;
tombstones; family bibles; letters; and personal interviews with
many of the family.
The authors are deeply grateful to all who have in any way assisted
in their undertaking.
May this record be carefully preserved and cherished and kept
within the family from generation to generation.
Helen Wentz, Lake Charles, Louisiana
Bertha Earnhart, Oxford, Pennsylvania
July 4, 1938